“The refusal to hold a meeting in Nelson has increased people’s concerns that this consultation process is nothing but a rubber stamp,” said Mungall. “I’m holding this meeting to ensure that the voices of this region are heard.”
The meeting will provide information about AXOR's proposed project on Glacier and Howser creeks, as well as details about the privatization of electric production and the environmental realities of current private power developments.
Mungall noted that a diverse group of stakeholders including hunters, environmental organizations, Nelson and Rossland city councils, regional directors, tourism operators and the Mayor of Trail have asked for a meeting in Nelson.
“By refusing to ensure a meeting is held in Nelson the Campbell government is sending the message that they have no intention of listening to the people of this region,” said Mungall.
The proposed private power project, located north of Kaslo, would divert water from four creeks into tunnels large enough to drive a dump truck through. The water would never be returned to the creeks and instead would be dumped in Duncan reservoir. The project and its power lines will impact threatened species such as bull trout, grizzly bears and wolverines.
“Gordon Campbell is more interested in making money for his friends and donors in the private power industry than in ensuring that these projects make social, fiscal, and environmental sense,” said Mungall. “He has never made the case that the need for this power outweighs its environmental impacts.”
New Democrats are calling for a moratorium on new private power projects until the province has a plan in place that protects the environment, and puts the public good above private profit.
The meeting will be held in Nelson at 7 p.m. on July 15 at the Prestige Inn, 701 Lakeside.
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